A SOLDIER killed after an explosion in Afghanistan last month had served in Londonderry and was promoted to Lance Sergeant following a tour here.
Acting Sergeant John Paxton Amer, of 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards, died from wounds sustained as a result of an explosion that happened in the Babaji area, in central Helmand Province, on Monday, November 30, 2009.
Originally from Sunderland Ser
geant Amer took part in a two-year residential tour here shortly after the turn of the century.
In a tribute posted by Major Paul Smyth from the UK Forces Media Ops team on his Helmand blog Sergeant Amer's Coldstream career in Londonderry is mentioned.
"A tour of Northern Ireland preceded promotion and he deployed to South Armagh on the Millennium Tour over the winter of 1999/2000. This was a busy tour for the Battalion and Sgt Amer conducted himself in an exemplary fashion.
"Shortly after returning to Windsor he passed the Junior Non-Commissioned Officer cadre and set his career on the rails of success.
"Whilst more Public Duties followed, the Battalion was soon preparing for operations once again, this time for a two-year residential tour to Londonderry in Number 1 Company.
"This tour saw Sergeant Amer in his element and after a very short period as a Lance Corporal he attended the challenging Section Commanders' Battle Course in Brecon, a course he passed with ease.
"On completion of the tour in Londonderry Sergeant Amer was promoted to Lance Sergeant and his presence in the Sergeants' Mess has been huge ever since," the blog notes.
Sergeant Amer is survived by his wife Sue and his daughter Lisa, who are now coming to terms with their loss at this incredibly sensitive and difficult time.
Acting Sergeant Amer's widow, Mrs Sue Amer, paid the following tribute: "I am devastated by the loss of my loving husband John. I have lost my true love, my heart has been broken. The whole world should know that John was the best father that our daughter could have wished for.
"This cruel world has taken a hero who touched the hearts of everyone he met, a very special man who brought joy and laughter. The Army was John's world, he was mine. He was my best friend, the pain of losing him is overwhelming."
